My name is Carol. I was raised
in a foster home up until I was about 15 years old. My parents put me up for
adoption at the age of 4 because they were strapped for cash and didn’t feel
like they could afford me anymore. My dad was a used car salesman and my mom
worked in insurance. They claimed that they had already gone bankrupt and had
debt from several different loans they took out when I was born. However, I believe it was because of their
drug fueled problem which eventually drained their bank accounts and left them
dead 5 years later. I lived on the streets for about 8 years and if it weren’t
for organizations like The Lutheran Community Food Service and people like Rod
Aycox that donate, I would not be where I am today.
Rod Aycox is currently one of
America’s most successful businessmen, with several financial service companies
under his name. Rod started his own company in the money lending industry and
grew to now operate over 1,000 stores in more than twenty states nationwide.
For over 25 years Rod Aycox has offered cash strapped customers the option to
get a short-term loan by giving up their title to their vehicle as a
collateral, along with a state issued ID. This has helped Americans
tremendously, giving individuals an outlet that banks and credit unions do not.
However, Rods innate kindness doesn’t stop there, he has continued to open
doors for people in each community that he serves.
In 2006, Rod
Aycox donated a large sum of money to the Lutheran Community Food Ministry. The
Lutheran Community Food Ministry helps the less fortunate in their time of
need, giving them food and shelter. The Lutheran Community Food Ministry serves
approximately 200 people per day. Allowing the homeless a place to come and be
greeted with a warm smile, hot meal to eat and a place to rest. The Lutheran Community over all, has helped
serve over 1,000,000 meals to the homeless in Atlanta. Robert F. Sims, Senior
Pastor of the Lutheran Church stated, “We are thrilled to have help from Rod
Aycox companies to help feed the homeless.” Rod Aycox hopes his donation will
encourage other members of the Atlanta community to get involved.
The Lutheran
Community Food Ministry ultimately saved my life. There were nights where I was
freezing and hadn’t ate in over 2 days. The Lutheran Community Food Ministry
took me in with open arms and smiles to be sure my needs were met. By doing
this, The Lutheran Community Food Ministry and Rod gave me hope in society and
humanity. It eventually led me to finding my passion to want to help people who
can’t do it on their own. I now work as a counselor at the local AAA office,
counseling people through their addictions who are much like my parents. I am
truly thankful for the innate kindness that the Lutheran Community Food
Ministry have shown throughout the years and I will forever stand behind such
an outstanding organization and thoughtful human being such as Rod Aycox,
himself!
